Ecuador

This week we are back in South America at the country of Ecuador which lies along the Equator which is why it is called Ecuador and is on the northwestern coast of South America.

The country has a diverse landscape which encompasses Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands.

The country’s capital is Quito which sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2,850m. It is constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, it’s known for its well-preserved colonial centre, rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. These include the cathedral, in the Plaza Grande square, and ultra-ornate Compañia de Jesús Jesuit church.

Quito is the oldest of all South American capitals and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978 due to its well-preserved old town.

Founded by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar in 1534, Quito remained the focal point of national affairs until the early 20th century when economic dominance shifted to Guayaquil . Today, Quito remains the country’s political and cultural centre, maintaining much of its colonial atmosphere with historic churches, peaceful squares, and narrow streets.

 The country has a population of around 18 million, the official language is Spanish, but Quichua, the lingua franca of the Inca Empire, is spoken by many of the indigenous people. Nine additional indigenous languages are also spoken in Ecuador. English is spoken in major visitor centers.

The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar. While US dollar bills are used in Ecuador, the country issues its own centavo coins. US dollars have been used in Ecuador since 2000 and replaced the former currency, the Ecuadorian sucre.

The Ecuadorian flag is a horizontal tricolour with three bands of yellow, blue, and red. The yellow band is at the top and is twice the width of the blue and red bands. The flag also includes the Ecuadorian coat of arms in the centre. The colours represent the sun (yellow), the sea and sky (blue), and the blood shed for independence (red).

The flag was first adopted in 1860, with the coat of arms being added in 1900. 

It is similar to the flag of Colombia, but the Ecuadorian flag is longer and includes the coat of arms. 

When it comes to religion, Christianity is the primary religion. Catholicism is the main Christian denomination in the country. There are also small minorities of other religions.

Ecuador is also considered a constitutional republic. The Constitution of Ecuador provides for a four-year term of office for the President, Vice-President, and members of the National Assembly with concurrent elections. Presidents and legislators may be re-elected immediately.